In my many years in the fashion industry, there are a few lessons I’ve learned for sure. The first is that good-quality statement is the ultimate sartorial distraction technique (who cares about what’s underneath?) The second is that is never a bad investment ( is the brand fashion insiders are really going wild for this year) and the third has been the transcendent power of a good pair of jeans. Now, there are a few things that distinguish a good pair of jeans from the .
Firstly, they needn’t be too tight or too loose. Finding a pair that fit properly without hugging too much or too little is a fine dance. Secondly, they shouldn't be too saturated a colour.
In order for jeans to perform their function of acting as the most hard-working member of your wardrobe, they ought to be able to hold their own in the colour realm while never being overtly muted or saturated. And thirdly, once you’ve found the pair of jeans that ticks all of these boxes — which also make you feel like a million dollars while wearing them — stock up on them in every colourway and treasure them. Good jeans are worth their weight in gold, and take that from somebody who’s kissed more than a few denim frogs.
For anybody that believes the perfect jeans don't exist, think again. Brown is everywhere this season, in the form of dresses, skirts and jackets, but we didn't know we needed brown jeans until now. For when summer whites feel like too much, consider a gentle pinstriped jean instead.
Add a touch of texture to your denim arsenal with these studded Carys. It is with great pleasure then that I introduce to you the best pair of jeans I have ever worn: enter, ’s Cary . I started amassing my collection of after receiving six — yes, six! — compliments on my blue pair in one day.
I did a double take in a hallway mirror in the office and realised that the woman with the great jeans staring back at me was indeed me, clad in my Carys. It only felt natural to then treat myself to a pair in inky black, which felt essential given my proclivity for wearing moody shades of greys and slates during the working week. All I have to do is add a pair of OTT and a slick of gloss and I feel .
Next up on my list are the recently introduced white, brown and striped shades – particularly now that a number of them are in the brand's . The reason that the Cary jeans are quite so good is that they are just the perfect mix of slouch and style. I like my jeans neither too tight nor too baggy and, while that is a hard balance to strike, the Carys have proved that it can be done — and excellently at that.
The Abbys sit high on the waist and are perfect for those who prefer a more tapered leg. Just add a slick of lipstick and your favourite T-shirt. The popularity of 90s shows no signs of waning.
For those who prefer a little bit of stretch in their jeans, Reformation's Wilders ought to be their go-to. A really worth its salt, has other great jeans too, many of which I’ve also tried. For those who like their jeans to cut at the ankle, the Abbys are a no-brainer.
For those who like a cropped jean, the Wilders are ingenious. For those who have fallen for retro-style jeans, the Val 90s are a foolproof choice. Maybe it’s my slightly curvier shape — I’m larger on bottom than I am on top — and I have long legs, which makes finding the right fit and length in denim difficult, but the Carys balance me out the way a good pair of jeans ought to.
After a lifetime of sartorial misfires I have found my match, and my love-in with my Carys is now the most reliable relationship I have with anything in my wardrobe. So, what're you waiting for? Naomi May is a freelance writer and editor with an emphasis on popular culture, lifestyle and politics. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard as its Fashion and Beauty Writer, working across both the newspaper and website.
She is now the Acting News Editor at ELLE UK and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others..
